Japan Meat Products Market to Perceive Massive Growth with Rising Popularity and Demand for Meat

The consumption of meat has expanded significantly since it is an essential component of the human diet. It is one of the most important sources of fat, dietary protein, vitamins, and minerals for humans. Meat is considered to be the highest quality source of protein, not only for its nutritional advantages but also for its highly desired flavor. In Japan, meat consumption in all forms is increasing as a result of changing lifestyles. In comparison to 20 years ago, Japanese consumers now consume approximately 18% more meat per person. The demand for meat is higher than what the domestic sector can provide, and the shortfall is filled by imports.

Generally, the term “meat” refers to animal flesh that is intended for human consumption as food. Meat contains different nutrients including proteins, iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins. In Japan, there are numerous types of meat, such as goat, beef, chicken and turkey, lamb, bear, snake, Java mouse, monkey, braised goat testicles, fried fox meat, grilled wild boar, grilled porcupine, and bat. Among these varieties, pork is the most widely consumed meat in the country. Japan meat products market is rapidly expanding as a result of increased meat import and export activities to meet rising demand and high health consciousness among Japanese consumers.

Newest Insights in the Japan Meat Products Market

The busy lifestyle of Japanese customers, especially in urban regions like Tokyo and Osaka, has increased the demand for easy-to-cook meat products in Japan. As per a report by Research Dive, the  Japan meat products market is expected to surpass a revenue of $25.3 billion in the 2022–2031 timeframe. The Japanese meat products market is expected to grow at a rapid and dominant rate in the coming years. This is because the region has a gigantic demand for meat products owing to the growth in livestock production.

How are Market Players Responding to the Rising Demand for Japan Meat Products?

Market players are significantly investing in innovative research and inventions to cater for the rising demand for meat and meat products. Some of the foremost players in the Japan meat products market are Itoham Foods Inc., NH Foods Ltd., Johnsonville Japan LLC, Nichirei Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Starzen Co., Ltd., Sankyomeat Inc., Sojitz Corporation, Tyson Foods, Inc., Lacto Japan Co., Ltd., and others. These players are focused on planning and devising tactics such as mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, novel advances, and partnerships to reach a notable position in the market. For instance:

• In June 2020, Meadow Vale Foods, a foremost supplier of poultry products to the foodservice and retail market, launched two novel Japanese style Chicken products: Karaage Chicken Bites and Katsu Chicken Fillet to meet increased demand.
   
• In February 2021, Mitake Food Manufacturing Co., Ltd., an expert in milling technology and distributor of rice flour in Japan, launched a new product Karaage Fried Chicken Flour, made from Rice to the U.S. With this launch, the company is likely to grab a prominent place in the Japan meat products market.
   
• In January 2023, the Kujira (Whale) Store, an store in the port town of Yokohama with no human workers, implemented 3 Whale Meat Vending Machines for whale bacon, whale sashimi, whale skin, whale steak, and canned whale meat.

COVID-19 Impact on the Japan Meat Products Market

The unpredicted rise of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has adversely impacted the Japan meat products market. During the pandemic period, several uncertainties resulted in significant economic losses as different firms all around the world came to a halt. This has ultimately reduced the need for meat products owing to a lack of investment by major industry players in exploring new meat and meat product business categories. Furthermore, difficulties in the supply chain, a lack of packaging supplies, fluctuations in currency rates, and other problems made it difficult to manufacture and supply meat products. In addition, the development of the Japan meat products market got hampered by changes in trade rules, disruptions in import-export operations, and a lack of experienced specialists during the pandemic. However, the market is expected to recuperate from the incurred losses and rise significantly in the post-pandemic period.